Yuma, Arizona - Yumans might be seen doing the Hustle, Le Freak, the Electric Slide and more as the biggest night of the year for the local arts community honors its finest this year with a Studio 54 theme.
Those ready to dress up – don’t forget those “Boogie Shoes” – are invited to attend the ceremony and reception for the 18th annual Tribute of the Muses, Oct. 12.
Tribute of the Muses honors an outstanding member of Yuma’s arts community who has shown exemplary devotion and excellence in the arts. Winners range among artists, performers, educators, advocates and patrons. Eight nominations are up for the award this year.
Eight additional nominees will vie for the 8th annual Helios Award, earned by the top newcomer in the arts community.
Everyone is invited to attend the award ceremony, starting at 7 p.m. Oct. 12 at the Historic Yuma Theatre, adjacent to the art center at 254 S. Main St. Formal attire is encouraged, with black tie optional. Admission to the ceremony is free.
The awards show features live performances by Dancer’s Workshop, Dawn’s Dance Studio, Infinite Imagination Youth Theater performers from “Xanadu Jr.,” Jason Irr, and Mallory Lemmon.
Mayor Douglas Nicholls, City Administrator Greg Wilkinson and Director of Parks and Recreation Debbie Wendt will make presentations at the ceremony.
“Tribute of the Muses is our local Oscars meets Met Gala as it is a celebration of every discipline of the arts and recognizes community members who are making a positive and impact on our arts scene,” noted Arts and Culture Program Manager Lindsay Benacka. “It is also the one night of the year where we pull out all the stops and decorate the Yuma Art Center from floor to ceiling and we actually roll out the red carpet. The Studio 54 theme this year is going to make this already extravagant soiree even more glamourous and fun.”
The recipient of the Tribute of the Muses Award will be honored with a custom art award designed and created by a local artist. Joanna Cardenas contributed this year’s award, entitled, “Kairo’s Kiss.”
Following the awards ceremony, the reception -- a ticketed donation going toward local arts programming – will take place at the Yuma Art Center galleries. Tickets to the after party are $25 per person and available at www.YumaShowTickets.com or any City of Yuma ticketing outlet.
Tribute of the Muses and Helios honorees are nominated by the public and are selected by the City of Yuma’s Parks, Recreation Commission and Ad Hoc Public Art Committee
Tribute of the Muses Award nominees
- Colby Girard
- Holly Hendrick
- Angel Luna
- Lutes Family
- Michael and Maria McKivergan
- Amy Seeley
- Denise Vaughn
- Judy Wright
Helios Award nominees
- Abraham Andrade
- Iskaar Chavez
- Harrison Dusek
- Jason Irr
- Mallory Lemmon
- Shaun Sosinski
- Denise Vaughn
- Jesus Yarrito